The Organization of American States (OAS) today hosted a tribute to the recently deceased Guatemalan diplomat Francisco Villagrán de León. The ceremony, organized by the Mission of Guatemala to the Organization, took place at the Columbus Memorial Library at OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Ambassador Villagrán de León was a diplomat, academic, professor, and writer. He served twice as Permanent Representative to the OAS, and also held positions as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Representative to the United Nations, and Ambassador to the United States, Norway, Denmark, Germany, and Canada. His last post was as Special Envoy of the current President of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo de León.
"His distinguished career is an example for all. It was part of his DNA," said OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro. "He was a founding member of the political movement Semilla and, in that capacity, served as Special Envoy to the United States, a position he held from February 2024 until his passing in May of the same year. During the 2023 political crisis in Guatemala, Francisco was the indispensable voice. As an advisor to Bernardo Arévalo, as a candidate and later president-elect, he was essential in communications with major institutions in Washington. I don't think such a peaceful transition would have been possible without my friend Francisco Villagrán. His warmth and calm, his wisdom and experience, made him a constant source of counsel to everyone, including me, and also made him my friend," said Secretary General Almagro.
During the tribute, a portrait of Ambassador Villagrán was placed with a plaque in the reading room of the Columbus Library, where the Ambassador spent much time conducting research.
For her part, the Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the OAS, Claudia Escobar, also spoke of Ambassador Villagrán's contributions to Guatemalan democracy. "Our dearly missed friend was without a doubt one of Guatemala's most distinguished diplomats, academics, and citizens. He was a man of great social sensitivity and unparalleled human qualities. His work was fundamental in establishing democracy in our country, after a long period of internal conflict, and in ensuring that it would always be respected. His tremendous commitment to service and ability to inspire others were crucial in mobilizing international support first for the pacification of Guatemala and later for strengthening freedom and democracy. Many of us here were inspired by his commitment to Guatemala, and he was a great mentor to some of the diplomats who join us here today. Today we want to recognize that great legacy," she stated.
Ambassador Villagrán de León's widow, Donna Eberwine-Villagrán, said: "He was very proud of his time here; he was very supportive of the OAS," she said. "He was deeply committed to multilateralism and to the inter-American system."
Reference: FNE-144307
